• Lumisal@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    If anyone needs help moving to the EU (and in particular Finland) let me know. I moved to Finland after 2016 (I saw the writing on the wall for awhile, before Trump - it’s just that’s when I finally had the best opportunity and Trump accelerated the need to move).

    It takes less money to move than you might think to move. If you have a specialty (especially in STEM) it’s really easy, and most jobs will even provide language classes for free.

    If you don’t, it’s still possible, but it’ll be much harder work I’ll admit. You may end up as a janitor or laborer, but know this - you’ll still be able to live comfortably. Wages can be much fairer here, public transportation is excellent to the point where you don’t need a car at all, and you won’t be bankrupted by healthcare. Even a low skilled SINGLE job will afford you financial security - something I remember was not the case in the USA.

    And on the bright side, if you want to go to higher education here, university is a lot cheaper or, if you live long enough in a place to become a permanent resident or citizen, free.

    If you get yourself at least 8k and 3 months of intensive Duolingo and maybe Mondly, you have a chance to move.

    • vermyndax@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      Finland is one of three countries that banned my wife and stepdaughter’s race by using a procedural “gotcha.” Despite being a part of the Apostille convention in Geneva, Finland, Germany and Greece refuse to accept any documentation from Philippines. Therefore, they are banned from your country entirely.

      Thanks for the offer though.

      Reminder to all here: USA is not the only country on the planet with racism.

      • Lumisal@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Could you go into more details? I have friends from the Philippines (like, directly from there, never were US citizens) and they still even visit family every year.

        I’m not denying there’s racism here - there is, especially against Muslims (possibly more their religion and culture than the race itself, since it’s viewed very misogynistic and against Finnish values) and Somalians (this one is just racism based off ignorance). Recently against Russians too for, well, obvious reasons.

        But none of my Philippine friends have experienced racism, especially the ones with Hispanic names (there’s Hispanic favoritism here).

        Of course, racism isn’t why I recommend moving out of the USA to anywhere in the EU - it’s the civil unrest, unjust work practices, broken healthcare, rolling back of women’s and LGBTQ rights, corruption in government, etc.

        Are you sure it wasn’t missing paperwork or errors? I’m assuming your wife doesn’t have a US passport for example since you said all paperwork was from the Philippines, and my high school friend’s grandmother mentioned Philippine record keeping, much like Salvadorian one, leaves much to be desired. Especially after Duterte’s reign making things worse and not complying with other global governments, if this was 2016-2022.

        • vermyndax@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          I don’t have direct knowledge on whether or not Duterte made all of this worse, but I suspect you’re correct. Philippines is worlds behind on records, which is why I understand the purpose of the Apostille certification agreement.

          • Lumisal@lemmy.world
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            6 months ago

            According to USA friends he fucked with records of ex-pats and it was a nightmare for a bit when their family members were getting citizenship. That’s why I also brought him up.

            • vermyndax@lemmy.world
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              6 months ago

              Oof. Considering his ex-presidential behavior in addition to his behavior while in office, this seems like something he would do.

    • TheIllustrativeMan@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      It takes less money to move than you might think to move. If you have a specialty (especially in STEM) it’s really easy, and most jobs will even provide language classes for free.

      Unfortunately I picked the wrong specialty (architecture). Still trying to get licensed by the end of the year, that’s the only chance I have at another country maybe recognizing my degree. Regardless, it’s not very in-demand.

      • Lumisal@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        It is in the Nordics and some western Europe countries if you get some kind of green certification, as eco friendly and energy efficient architecture is in high demand to meet climate goals but there’s a lack of architects specializing in that. Though from the news here it seems there’s a lack of architects in general as it was seen by many as not the most profitable field for so many years, so ironically you kinda lucked out lol